Steps to Acquiring a Student Visa: US Student Visa Process

The steps to acquiring a student visa are not complicated, but the US student visa process can be lengthy. This is why it is best to start planning for applying for a student visa as early as possible.

This step-by-step breakdown of the student visa process provides a general outline of the steps to acquiring a student visa for USA.

Step 1: Identify Student Visa Type

There are three different types of student visas, and the student visa application process varies for each type.

Step 3: Register at an accredited U.S. College or University

Obtain an I-20. (After all your registration formalities has been completed the College/University will send you an I-20 which you will need while applying for the visa).

Step 4: Apply for the Student Visa

You will apply for a student visa and go through a visa interview at a US consulate in your home country. If your immediate family is coming to USA with you on a dependent visa, then apply for their visa at the same time as yours.

Visa will be issued for the duration mentioned on your form I-20. (In practice most students get five-year visas irrespective of the duration mentioned on the I-20).

If you are refused a visa, you can apply again and again. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a visa.

Having relatives or family in the US does not disqualify you for a US visa.